Rayleigh lidar observations of double stratopause structure over three different northern hemisphere stations

Abstract. Using four years of Rayleigh lidar data collected from three different northern hemisphere stations (Gadanki 13.5° N, 79.2° E ; Mt. Abu 24.5° N, 72.7° E and Observatoire de Haute Provence: OHP; 44° N, 6° E), the characteristics of double (separated) stratopause occurrence are presented here, for the first time. The characteristics are illustrated by a seasonal change during summer and winter and the variation in percentage of occurrence from place to place. It is found that the over-all mean normal stratopause (NS) positioned at the middle level of double stratopause (upper and lower level) with its location nearer to the lower level of double stratopause (LDS) than to the upper level of double stratopause (UDS). The frequency distribution of NS, LDS and UDS demonstrated variability with location, indicating role of dynamical activity. By making use of a quasi-continuous 40 days of lidar observations over Gadanki and OHP, the responsibility of Gravity Wave (GW) and Planetary Wave (PW) activity for the LDS and UDS occurrence are examined and presented.